Can insurance cover this program?

Did you know that two thirds of Americans are either overweight or obese? The cost of obesity and overweight in this country is staggering. NIH shows that annual costs were about 117 billion dollars a few years ago and are rapidly increasing. (http://win.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/index.htm#econ). It is reported that 92 billion was spent for medical care for health issues for the overweight and obese in 2002.

As you know, in our weight loss program, we do not accept insurance but if you have health insurance you should try to use it. I wish all insurance companies were more progressive but with persistence sometimes you can get reimbursement. We give you a medical superbill that you can take and submit to your insurance company. I code it according to your health history. Since you have paid us for your visit, you should have the reimbursement sent directly to you. If you receive a letter from the insurance company and it doesn’t have a check enclosed, bring it into me (Linda) and I can investigate to find out what they need. Sometimes they need further explanation, a certain code or a letter of medical necessity that I can provide. Then it is a matter of just sending in the forms again. It may appear to be a tedious process but we have patients that do get reimbursed. If you have a PPO, most will allow you to have an annual physical. Many times, if people have not had one when they come into our program, they can use our physical to be reimbursed. I also suggest to try to get the weekly visits covered. Many times people have coverage for nutritional counseling which is an integral part of this program and the bills are coded as such.

Similarly, if you have a flexible spending plan, this program will qualify for that as well. Sometimes your plan administrator will provide a form filled that we must fill out or I can write a letter of medical necessity for you.